Platinum is one of the most beautiful of metals used in jewelry today with a rich white luster and understated elegance that is beyond compare.
It is among the finest, purest and extremely rare of the precious metals on earth. Platinumhas an understated elegance that appeals to both men and women, while being found in only a few locations in the world. Although platinum has been around for centuries, it may
surprise you that, it has only been used to fashion jewelry for less than two centuries, making it both an ancient and a young metal.
This precious metal has a rich and noble history being used first by the ancient Egyptians about three thousand years ago. Following along some eight hundred years later South American Incas worked in platinum, and the first platinum jewelry appeared in Europe around the year 1780, at the court of Louis XVI of France. With its incredible beauty, platinum has always been celebrated as the ultimate expression of giving for special occasions.
The Diamond. The symbolism of diamonds goes beyond romance. For centuries diamonds have been a symbol of love, excellence and purification. With its remarkable hardness and clarity, this gem still reigns supreme in its symbolism of power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty. This enchanting gem has fascinated mankind throughout the centuries, with many regarding them as magical. Not only are diamonds rare and beautiful, no tool can cut them and the fiercest fire would leave a diamond unscathed.
In celebration of the Health Services Foundation’s 30th anniversary, this extraordinary precious metal with diamonds is being presented for the 12th Annual Diamond Raffle. The total
value of prizes listed is $11,500. First prize is a platinum three stone round cut diamond Ring with a total weight of one full carat; second prize is a half-carat platinum pendant, which will be
complimented with a platinum chain; and third prize is a “Two For One,” platinum diamond earrings set with a total weight of half carat, and a Citizens gold tone watch with diamond accent at the 12 o’clock mark.
“This year’s diamond raffle will support the Foundation’s new campaign to purchase a number of specific items requested by Houlton Regional Hospital, thereby providing a broad based campaign for a number of departments with vital health care needs,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director. “Those who work at Houlton Regional spend everyday doing a remarkable job with the equipment they have, however, it is time to help these departments with new upgrades to let them continue doing the remarkable work they do. To give the very best in-patient care is why they do what they do, and we know their new equipment will keep them delivering their specialized services at the optimum high level of standards they have set for themselves in the delivery of that care. We are sure most everyone has been touched by at least one of the departments for themselves, family, or friends when in need of a medical service and will always want to know they are receiving the best possible care available to them at the time of their visit.”
The communities and hospital personnel here in “The County” that continue to support Foundation fund-raising efforts with their constant generosity to help the health care providers of their communities is amazing, Dulin noted.
“We never, even for a moment, forget this kind of giving to the Foundation for without them we would never reach the heights we have of supporting our local health care providers,” she said. “All this generosity represents 30 of unprecedented giving and made a world of difference in the health care of our area. Our deepest appreciation is an understatement to convey the depth of what our donors have done throughout the years, and we are truly grateful. We could not do what we do without this amazing support.

HOULTON — The Houlton Community Arts Center Council and the Health Services Foundation are teaming up to bring the Maine State Ballet to Houlton.
Portland’s premier Ballet Company, under the direction of Linda MacArthur Miele, the Maine State Ballett will appear in the Shiretown Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4 and will present exciting productions of “Peter & the Wolf” and “Western Roundup” at the Houlton Community Arts Center.
The Maine State Ballet, showcases full-length ballets along with contemporary pieces in a varied repetoire of this highly versatile company.
In a series of meetings between Susan Waite York, Arts Center trustee, and Elizabeth Dulin, Health Services Foundation executive director, discussions were held regarding the possibility of a partnership between the Arts Center and the Foundation to bring cultural activities to the Greater Houlton area.
“As a result of those discussions, we take great pleasure in this announcement of our organizations presenting these ballet productions for the enjoyment of our communities. This is a fun, cultural event that sends out a wonderful message to our communities, “Look what we are doing together”.
Sharing the responsibilities that go into putting on a production like this will be a great learning experience in events partnering and even better will support two very important fundraising endeavors. This mutual effort will not only assist each organization toward their ultimate fundraising goals, but also bring cultural enrichment to our communities with the Performing Arts.
Fundraiser planned “In support of bringing the ballet to Houlton, The Arts Center is planning a Charity Dinner serving local and organic foods from the area. This event will be held Saturday, March 12, at the Houlton Elks Club, with cocktails beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and will be available at York’s Bookstore, York’s of Houlton and Houlton School of Dance.
“We look forward to a great turnout in support of not only this event in particular, but for the future of the Arts Center as well,” said York.
The ballet is not just a fundraiser, it is the hope of the two groups that by bringing this event to Houlton it will encourage other productions to come to our area, thereby expanding our cultural base. Even though this is the first partnering adventure, the groups plan to continue discussions regarding cultural activities to be held, possibly on an annual basis.
“Ballet today, maybe Broadway tomorrow, ” said Dulin.
“The Houlton Community Arts Center Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise funds and generate interest in the Community Arts Center located at the Houlton Junior/Senior High School. Phase One of the building project has been completed, however, strong community interest to expand visual and performing arts has those involved with Phase Two eager to press forward in building an additional wing. The new space will play a dual role by accommodating the growing educational needs of students, and provide up-coming events, performed in the Center’s auditorium, a proper, separate environment to practice and present the performing arts,” said York.
The Foundation’s current fundraising goal is to bring Digital Mammography to the local area, in support of earlier detection of breast cancer. This campaign will support an effort to raise $385,000 for purchase of state-of-the-art technology for Houlton Regional Hospital.
The adventures of “Peter and the Wolf,” music by Sergei Prokofiev, and “Western Roundup,” a rousing fun-filled, saloon girls, swinging ballet set to traditional western music, are staged, and choreographed by Linda Miele.

Reprinted from the Houlton Pioneer Times